Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University’s Board of Trustees has honored trustee Ken Dufour and Chairman Mori Hosseini for their 25 years of service to Embry‑Riddle.

Trustees also honored Chairman Hosseini for his decade of leadership on the board, during which Embry‑Riddle has made significant strides in academic excellence, groundbreaking research and preparing students for high-paying careers in aerospace and aviation.

The board celebrated the 25-year milestones by awarding Dufour and Chairman Hosseini the prestigious Sky King award, a replica of the bronze eagle statue by artist Vic Payne that stands in the Henderson Welcome Center. Trustee Joe Martin, a board member since 2005, presented the awards to Dufour and Chairman Hosseini at a March 28 ceremony at The Founders Club at the Plantation Bay Golf and Country Club in Ormond Beach.

“As the longest-serving members on our board, both Chairman Hosseini and trustee Dufour have committed themselves wholeheartedly to our institution,” Martin said. “They have generously given their time, advice, wisdom and financial support to shape Embry‑Riddle into the world-class institution that it is today.”

Chairman Hosseini was also awarded a medallion of distinction, which recognizes individuals for outstanding contributions to the university. Given to only two other recipients since 2017, it recognized Chairman Hosseini’s 10 years of leading the board, as well as his passion for advancing the principles of good governance at Embry‑Riddle.

Trustee Martin noted the many advancements made at Embry‑Riddle under the chairman’s leadership. These include the development of transformational facilities, such as the ICI Center and athletic field house; the Research Park; the award-winning Mori Hosseini Student Union; and the Cici and Hyatt Brown Center for Aerospace Technology, which is now under construction on the Daytona Beach Campus.

“Chairman Hosseini constantly displays how near and dear Embry‑Riddle is to his heart,” Martin said. “And during the past 10 years, he has helped make Embry‑Riddle’s most ambitious imaginings a reality, thanks to his great trust and confident vision as chairman.”

Hosseini — chairman and CEO of ICI Homes — is the first Embry‑Riddle alumnus to serve as chairman. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Studies, a Master of Business Administration and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In addition to running ICI, one ofFlorida’s largest residential homebuilders/developers, Chairman Hosseini serves on numerous boards for philanthropic and civic organizations in Volusia County, as well as state development organizations. He also serves as the chairman of the Board of Trustees for the University of Florida.

At Embry‑Riddle, Chairman Hosseini heads the Committee on Trustees, the Executive Committee and the Facilities & Capital Planning Committee.

“Chairman Hosseini always believes that he can do more for our talented students and beloved institution, and we can’t wait to see what we achieve in the future under his leadership,” Martin said.

The Sky King eagle has only been awarded on three previous occasions. Recipients have shown strength, leadership and vision — qualities exemplified by the eagle — in their efforts to further educational excellence for Embry‑Riddle students and affirm the university’s position as the leader in aviation and aerospace higher education.

In presenting the award to Dufour, Martin said that the trustee has uniquely dedicated himself to Embry‑Riddle’s students by serving as chairman of the Student Life Committee since joining the board in 1998.

“Whenever there is a board meeting, he always arrives a day early to engage with students,” Martin said.

Trustee Dufour, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and a Master in Aviation Management from Embry‑Riddle, boasts more than 50 years of experience in aviation. He is the founder of Aviation Management Consulting, Inc., which provides consulting services to the aerospace community, and has been previously honored with The Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

At Embry‑Riddle, Dufour also serves on the Development Committee, and the Flight Safety and Education Committee.

“He truly is the best wingman,” Martin said, “that Embry‑Riddle could ever ask for.”